Increase library funding to advocate benchmark

Endorsed library-coalition benchmark (~0.5% of city budget, ~$623M) on the campaign trail. Feb 2026 preliminary CUT $30M, triggering NYC PLAN rally + online "terrible budget" campaign. May 12 FY27 Executive Budget RESTORED $31.7M to the three systems (Queens, Brooklyn, NYPL) — a public-outcry reversal. Mamdani framed: "We didn't close the gap on the backs of working people. We closed it while funding parks, libraries, safer streets…" Restoration is directional; full 0.5% benchmark not yet met. 2026-05-15 update: Mamdani announced $31.7M recurring annual library funding, ending the "budget dance" and bringing FY27 library total to $527M ≈ 0.4% of city budget. Reframed 0.5% benchmark pledge as multi-year — "We will achieve that goal by the time I'm done being mayor." Partial progress; promise NOT yet kept.